Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea

Emerging infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis, caused by <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) and ranavirus (RV), respectively, are major contributors to global amphibian declines. Despite their significance, comprehensive data on the spat...

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Main Authors: Ji-Eun Lee, Young Jin Park, Mun-Gyeong Kwon, Yun-Kyeong Oh, Min Sun Kim, Yuno Do
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Animals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2132
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author Ji-Eun Lee
Young Jin Park
Mun-Gyeong Kwon
Yun-Kyeong Oh
Min Sun Kim
Yuno Do
author_facet Ji-Eun Lee
Young Jin Park
Mun-Gyeong Kwon
Yun-Kyeong Oh
Min Sun Kim
Yuno Do
author_sort Ji-Eun Lee
collection DOAJ
description Emerging infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis, caused by <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) and ranavirus (RV), respectively, are major contributors to global amphibian declines. Despite their significance, comprehensive data on the spatial epidemiology of these pathogens in South Korea remain limited. This study aimed to assess the nationwide co-occurrence and prevalence of <i>Bd</i> and RV across four anuran species in five administrative regions. Infection rates were analyzed in relation to host species, sex, and life history stage. Results indicated distinct prevalence patterns driven by ecological traits. <i>Bd</i> was predominantly detected in mountainous and coastal habitats, whereas RV was more common in flat inland areas. Both pathogens exhibited peak occurrence in central regions, likely reflecting seasonal transmission dynamics rather than stable endemic hotspots. The observed spatial heterogeneity appears to be influenced by pathogen-specific thermal tolerance and host ecology. These findings underscore the importance of understanding host–pathogen–environment interactions for effective disease surveillance and management. Continuous monitoring and integrative ecological approaches are essential to mitigate pathogen-induced biodiversity loss and to inform amphibian conservation strategies in East Asia.
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spelling doaj-art-840787fbcfc1488a8b210bd86d7e9f542025-08-20T02:45:49ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011514213210.3390/ani15142132Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South KoreaJi-Eun Lee0Young Jin Park1Mun-Gyeong Kwon2Yun-Kyeong Oh3Min Sun Kim4Yuno Do5Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of KoreaAquatic Disease Control Division, National Fishery Products Quality Management Service (NFQS), Busan 49111, Republic of KoreaAquatic Disease Control Division, National Fishery Products Quality Management Service (NFQS), Busan 49111, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of KoreaEmerging infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis, caused by <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) and ranavirus (RV), respectively, are major contributors to global amphibian declines. Despite their significance, comprehensive data on the spatial epidemiology of these pathogens in South Korea remain limited. This study aimed to assess the nationwide co-occurrence and prevalence of <i>Bd</i> and RV across four anuran species in five administrative regions. Infection rates were analyzed in relation to host species, sex, and life history stage. Results indicated distinct prevalence patterns driven by ecological traits. <i>Bd</i> was predominantly detected in mountainous and coastal habitats, whereas RV was more common in flat inland areas. Both pathogens exhibited peak occurrence in central regions, likely reflecting seasonal transmission dynamics rather than stable endemic hotspots. The observed spatial heterogeneity appears to be influenced by pathogen-specific thermal tolerance and host ecology. These findings underscore the importance of understanding host–pathogen–environment interactions for effective disease surveillance and management. Continuous monitoring and integrative ecological approaches are essential to mitigate pathogen-induced biodiversity loss and to inform amphibian conservation strategies in East Asia.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2132amphibian decline<i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i>disease epidemiologylife historysexual selectionpathogen co-occurrence
spellingShingle Ji-Eun Lee
Young Jin Park
Mun-Gyeong Kwon
Yun-Kyeong Oh
Min Sun Kim
Yuno Do
Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
Animals
amphibian decline
<i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i>
disease epidemiology
life history
sexual selection
pathogen co-occurrence
title Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
title_full Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
title_fullStr Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
title_full_unstemmed Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
title_short Identification of Simultaneous Occurrence of Amphibian Chytrid Fungi and Ranavirus in South Korea
title_sort identification of simultaneous occurrence of amphibian chytrid fungi and ranavirus in south korea
topic amphibian decline
<i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i>
disease epidemiology
life history
sexual selection
pathogen co-occurrence
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2132
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